Archived model-year dossier
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's FuelEconomy.gov record holds 4 EPA certification records across 4 model/option labels (Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5 AWD 8AT, Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5T AWD 8AT, +2 more), spanning All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive drivetrains and Regular fuel type across 1 engine (2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI). EPA classifies it under Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD vehicle classes, built on Conventional powertrain technology. Across those configurations, expect combined efficiency of 20–25 MPG/MPGe, an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500–$3,100/yr. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The site covers 4 model years of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2023 through 2027, and this is the 2026.
Configurations4
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency20–25 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers16
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL Activity | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| XRT | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 281 | 311 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Limited | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 281 | 311 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 3,922 lb | 195.7 in | 66.7 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SEL | 3,948 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SEL Activity | 4,043 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/60R18 |
| XRT | 4,140 lb | 195.9 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/60R18 |
| Limited | 4,191 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/50R20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | – | – |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | – | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49493Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5 AWD 8AT | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 | N/A |
| 49494Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5T AWD 8AT | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
| 49450Santa Cruz FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 22 | 30 | 25 | N/A |
| 49497Santa Cruz XRT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
16 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz versus the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Model year
Against the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Model/option labels added: Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5 AWD 8AT, Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5T AWD 8AT. Model/option labels no longer listed: Santa Cruz AWD. Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic (AM-S8). Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 23.0 to 22.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 3 for the 2025 to 3 for the 2026.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How do the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SEL has front and rear climate zones, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 2 more as standard equipment over the SE. The XRT has 281 hp against 191 and forward collision warning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a navigation system and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the SEL Activity. The Limited has power front seats for driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, an integrated garage-door opener and 3 more as standard equipment over the XRT.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03What colors does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz come in?
Colors and options
Hyundai lists 7 exterior colors for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Hampton Gray, Blue Stone, Phantom Black, Atlas White, Sage Gray, Rockwood Green, Canyon Red. Hyundai charges extra for the premium paints: Blue Stone ($500), Sage Gray ($500), Canyon Red ($500). Which colors are offered depends on the trim. Source: Hyundai published specifications for the 2026 model year, read 2026-09-24.
Q04What is the destination charge on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Pricing
The destination charge on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is $1,600. MotorTrend lists it, and MotorTrend's MSRP plus this charge matches Kelley Blue Book's national price, which includes destination (AWD XRT: MotorTrend MSRP $41,350 plus this charge equals Kelley Blue Book's $42,950; the same on 2 trims). Source: MotorTrend and Kelley Blue Book, read 2026-09-24.
Q05What kind of brakes does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
Brakes and suspension
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Source: Hyundai published specifications for the 2026 model year, read 2026-09-24.
Q06What suspension does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?
Brakes and suspension
Front: independent MacPherson strut with coil springs. Rear: independent multi-link design. Source: Hyundai published specifications for the 2026 model year, read 2026-09-24.
Q07Did the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
Safety
IIHS lists the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz as a Top Safety Pick. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL crew cab 4-door 4wd. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q08How did the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Good in the small overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL crew cab 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q09How many people does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD seat?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists 5 seats for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q10What is the GVWR of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists a curb weight of 4,140 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,411 pounds for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD; because payload is the gross vehicle weight rating minus curb weight, that puts the GVWR at 5,551 pounds.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q11What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists a maximum payload of 1,411 pounds for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q12What warranty does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD come with?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD with powertrain coverage of 120 months or 100,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 84 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 60 months with unlimited miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q13How quickly does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Specifications
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 6.5 seconds for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT 2.5T HTRAC (4'4.1" Bed) (Motor Trend) and 6.6 seconds for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT 2.5T HTRAC (4'4.1" Bed) (MotorWeek).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q14What does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz run from $31,350 for the SE to $45,300 for the Limited, across 5 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q15How long is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed?
Capability
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed length is 4 feet on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q16What size wheels does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the SE, SEL, SEL Activity and XRT and 20 inches on the Limited. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
This model year’s federal safety record
3 federal recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Federal filings for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz name airbags, electrical system, forward collision system. These are the systems cited in recall documents for this model year specifically, not a survey of every fault owners report, and not a statement that any individual 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries 3 recall campaigns: the same recall count as the 2026. Open the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz record
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API; NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Hyundai Santa Cruz across model years.
Ownership desk
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